Supersonic flow occurs when air moves faster than the speed of sound, creating unique phenomena like shock waves and expansion waves. These effects dramatically alter how air behaves around objects, impacting aircraft design and performance in ways that don't apply to slower speeds.
Understanding supersonic flow is crucial for designing high-speed aircraft and propulsion systems. Key concepts include the , formation, and how flow properties like pressure and temperature change abruptly across shock waves. This knowledge enables engineers to optimize supersonic vehicle designs.
Supersonic flow characteristics
Supersonic flow occurs when the flow velocity exceeds the speed of sound, resulting in unique flow phenomena and
The Mach number, defined as the ratio of flow speed to the local speed of sound, is a critical parameter in characterizing supersonic flow
Mach number vs flow speed
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As the Mach number increases, compressibility effects become more significant, leading to changes in density, pressure, and temperature
Shock waves in supersonic flow
Shock waves are thin regions of abrupt changes in flow properties that occur when the flow transitions from supersonic to subsonic speeds
Shock waves can be normal (perpendicular to the flow) or oblique (inclined at an angle to the flow)
Across a shock wave, pressure, density, and temperature increase, while velocity decreases
Expansion waves in supersonic flow
Expansion waves occur when the flow expands and accelerates from a high-pressure region to a low-pressure region
Expansion waves are isentropic and result in a decrease in pressure, density, and temperature, while increasing the Mach number
are a type of expansion wave that occurs at sharp corners or expansions in supersonic flow
Compressibility effects on density
In supersonic flow, density changes significantly due to compressibility effects
The density ratio across a shock wave is given by ρ1ρ2=(γ−1)M12+2(γ+1)M12, where ρ is the density, M1 is the upstream Mach number, and γ is the specific heat ratio
Density increases across shock waves and decreases across expansion waves
Temperature changes across shocks
Temperature increases significantly across shock waves due to the compression and deceleration of the flow
The temperature ratio across a is given by T1T2=(γ+1)2M12[2γM12−(γ−1)][(γ−1)M12+2], where T is the temperature
The temperature increase across shock waves is an important consideration in supersonic vehicle design, as it affects material selection and cooling requirements
Governing equations of supersonic flow
The governing equations of supersonic flow are derived from the conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy, along with the equation of state for the fluid
These equations describe the behavior of compressible fluids and are essential for analyzing and predicting supersonic flow phenomena
Continuity equation for compressible flow
The continuity equation represents the conservation of mass in a compressible flow
For steady, one-dimensional flow, the continuity equation is given by ρ1A1V1=ρ2A2V2, where ρ is the density, A is the cross-sectional area, and V is the velocity
The continuity equation relates changes in density, velocity, and area in a compressible flow
Momentum equation for compressible flow
The momentum equation represents the conservation of momentum in a compressible flow
For steady, one-dimensional flow, the momentum equation is given by p1+ρ1V12=p2+ρ2V22, where p is the pressure
The momentum equation relates changes in pressure, density, and velocity in a compressible flow
Energy equation for compressible flow
The energy equation represents the conservation of energy in a compressible flow
For steady, one-dimensional flow with no heat addition or work extraction, the energy equation is given by h1+2V12=h2+2V22, where h is the specific enthalpy
The energy equation relates changes in enthalpy and kinetic energy in a compressible flow
Equation of state for ideal gases
The equation of state relates the pressure, density, and temperature of a gas
For an ideal gas, the equation of state is given by p=ρRT, where R is the specific gas constant
The equation of state is used in conjunction with the governing equations to solve compressible flow problems
Normal shock waves
Normal shock waves are shock waves that are perpendicular to the flow direction
They occur when the flow encounters an obstruction or a sudden change in flow conditions, causing a rapid deceleration and compression of the flow
Normal shock wave properties
Across a normal shock wave, the flow experiences an abrupt increase in pressure, density, and temperature, while the velocity decreases
The flow downstream of a normal shock wave is always subsonic, regardless of the upstream Mach number
The entropy of the flow increases across a normal shock wave, indicating that the process is irreversible
Rankine-Hugoniot equations
The Rankine-Hugoniot equations are a set of relations that describe the changes in flow properties across a normal shock wave
They are derived from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, along with the equation of state
The Rankine-Hugoniot equations relate the upstream and downstream Mach numbers, pressures, densities, and temperatures
Mach number relations across normal shocks
The upstream and downstream Mach numbers across a normal shock wave are related by M22=γM12−2γ−11+2γ−1M12
For a given upstream Mach number, the downstream Mach number can be calculated using this relation
As the upstream Mach number increases, the downstream Mach number approaches a limiting value of γ+1γ−1
Pressure ratio vs Mach number
The pressure ratio across a normal shock wave is a function of the upstream Mach number
The pressure ratio is given by p1p2=1+γ+12γ(M12−1)
As the upstream Mach number increases, the pressure ratio across the shock wave also increases
Temperature ratio vs Mach number
The temperature ratio across a normal shock wave is a function of the upstream Mach number
The temperature ratio is given by T1T2=(γ+1)2M12[2γM12−(γ−1)][(γ−1)M12+2]
As the upstream Mach number increases, the temperature ratio across the shock wave also increases
Density ratio vs Mach number
The density ratio across a normal shock wave is a function of the upstream Mach number
The density ratio is given by ρ1ρ2=(γ−1)M12+2(γ+1)M12
As the upstream Mach number increases, the density ratio across the shock wave also increases
Oblique shock waves
Oblique shock waves are shock waves that are inclined at an angle to the flow direction
They occur when the flow encounters a sharp corner or a wedge-shaped obstacle, causing a sudden deflection and compression of the flow
Oblique shock wave geometry
The geometry of an is characterized by the shock angle (β) and the deflection angle (θ)
The shock angle is the angle between the shock wave and the upstream flow direction
The deflection angle is the angle through which the flow is turned by the shock wave
Oblique shock wave properties
Across an oblique shock wave, the flow experiences an increase in pressure, density, and temperature, while the velocity decreases and the flow direction changes
The flow downstream of an oblique shock wave can be either subsonic or supersonic, depending on the upstream Mach number and the shock angle
The entropy of the flow increases across an oblique shock wave, indicating that the process is irreversible
Oblique shock wave equations
The oblique shock wave equations relate the upstream and downstream flow properties, the shock angle, and the deflection angle
The equations are derived from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, along with the equation of state
The oblique shock wave equations can be used to calculate the downstream Mach number, pressure, density, and temperature for a given upstream Mach number and shock angle
Deflection angle vs shock angle
For a given upstream Mach number, there is a unique relationship between the deflection angle and the shock angle
This relationship is described by the θ-β-M relation, which is derived from the oblique shock wave equations
The maximum deflection angle that can be achieved for a given upstream Mach number is called the shock detachment angle
Mach number relations across oblique shocks
The upstream and downstream Mach numbers across an oblique shock wave are related by the oblique shock wave equations
The downstream Mach number depends on the upstream Mach number, the shock angle, and the specific heat ratio of the gas
As the shock angle increases, the downstream Mach number decreases, and the shock wave becomes stronger
Pressure ratio across oblique shocks
The pressure ratio across an oblique shock wave is a function of the upstream Mach number and the shock angle
The pressure ratio increases as the shock angle increases, indicating a stronger shock wave
The pressure ratio across an oblique shock wave is always greater than 1, as the pressure increases across the shock
Density ratio across oblique shocks
The density ratio across an oblique shock wave is a function of the upstream Mach number and the shock angle
The density ratio increases as the shock angle increases, indicating a stronger shock wave
The density ratio across an oblique shock wave is always greater than 1, as the density increases across the shock
Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves
Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves occur when a supersonic flow encounters a sharp convex corner or a smooth expansion, causing the flow to expand and accelerate
Expansion waves are isentropic and result in a decrease in pressure, density, and temperature, while increasing the Mach number
Prandtl-Meyer function definition
The Prandtl-Meyer function (ν) is a measure of the flow deflection angle in an isentropic expansion
It is defined as ν(M)=γ−1γ+1tan−1γ+1γ−1(M2−1)−tan−1M2−1
The Prandtl-Meyer function relates the Mach number to the flow deflection angle in an isentropic expansion
Mach number vs Prandtl-Meyer function
The Prandtl-Meyer function is a monotonically increasing function of the Mach number
As the Mach number increases, the Prandtl-Meyer function also increases, indicating a larger flow deflection angle
The inverse of the Prandtl-Meyer function can be used to determine the Mach number for a given flow deflection angle
Expansion wave geometry
Expansion waves are centered at the corner or the start of the expansion and propagate into the flow at the Mach angle (μ)
The Mach angle is related to the Mach number by μ=sin−1(M1)
As the Mach number increases, the Mach angle decreases, and the expansion waves become more closely spaced
Expansion wave equations
The expansion wave equations relate the upstream and downstream flow properties in an isentropic expansion
The equations are derived from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, along with the isentropic flow relations
The expansion wave equations can be used to calculate the downstream Mach number, pressure, density, and temperature for a given upstream Mach number and flow deflection angle
Mach number relations across expansion waves
The upstream and downstream Mach numbers across an expansion wave are related by the Prandtl-Meyer function
The downstream Mach number is always greater than the upstream Mach number, as the flow accelerates through the expansion
The change in Mach number across an expansion wave depends on the flow deflection angle and the specific heat ratio of the gas
Pressure ratio across expansion waves
The pressure ratio across an expansion wave is a function of the upstream Mach number and the flow deflection angle
The pressure ratio decreases as the flow deflection angle increases, indicating a stronger expansion
The pressure ratio across an expansion wave is always less than 1, as the pressure decreases across the expansion
Density ratio across expansion waves
The density ratio across an expansion wave is a function of the upstream Mach number and the flow deflection angle
The density ratio decreases as the flow deflection angle increases, indicating a stronger expansion
The density ratio across an expansion wave is always less than 1, as the density decreases across the expansion
Supersonic nozzle flow
Supersonic nozzle flow occurs in converging-diverging nozzles, which are used to accelerate a flow from subsonic to supersonic speeds
The flow in a supersonic nozzle is governed by the principles of isentropic flow, choking, and shock wave formation
Converging-diverging nozzle geometry
A converging-diverging nozzle consists of a converging section, where the flow accelerates from subsonic to sonic speeds, and a diverging section, where the flow further accelerates to supersonic speeds
The throat is the location of minimum cross-sectional area, where the Mach number is equal to 1 (sonic conditions)
The area ratio between the exit and the throat determines the exit Mach number for isentropic flow
Isentropic flow in nozzles
Isentropic flow assumes that the flow is adiabatic (no heat transfer) and reversible (no entropy change)
In an ideal converging-diverging nozzle, the flow is isentropic throughout the nozzle
The isentropic flow relations can be used to calculate the pressure, density, and temperature ratios as functions of the Mach number
Choked flow conditions
Choked flow occurs when the Mach number at the throat of a converging-diverging nozzle reaches 1 (sonic conditions)
Once the flow is choked, the mass flow rate through the nozzle is at its maximum value and becomes independent of the downstream pressure
The critical pressure ratio required for choking is given by p0pt=(2γ+1)γ−1γ, where pt is the throat pressure and p0 is the stagnation pressure
Nozzle flow regimes
Subsonic flow: The flow is subsonic throughout the nozzle, and the exit pressure is equal to the back pressure
Isentropic supersonic flow: The flow is subsonic in the converging section, sonic at the throat, and supersonic in the diverging section, with the exit pressure equal to the back pressure
Over-expanded flow: The exit pressure is greater than the back pressure, causing shock waves to form in the diverging section
Under-expanded flow: The exit pressure is less than the back pressure, causing expansion waves to form at the nozzle exit
Over-expanded vs under-expanded nozzles
An over-expanded nozzle has an exit pressure greater than the back pressure, resulting in shock waves in the diverging section and a decrease in exit velocity
An under-expanded nozzle has an exit pressure less than the back pressure, resulting in expansion waves at the nozzle exit and an increase in exit velocity
Optimal expansion occurs when the exit pressure is equal to the back pressure, resulting in isentropic supersonic flow throughout the nozzle
Shock waves in nozzles
Shock waves can form in the diverging section of a supersonic nozzle when the exit pressure is greater than the back pressure (over-expanded flow)
Normal shock waves cause a sudden decrease in Mach number and an increase in pressure, density, and temperature
Oblique shock waves can form in the diverging section, causing a decrease in Mach number and a change in flow direction
Shock waves in nozzles lead to losses in thrust and efficiency and should be avoided by proper nozzle design and operation
Supersonic airfoil theory
Supersonic airfoil theory describes the aerodynamic characteristics of airfoils in supersonic flow
The key aspects of supersonic airfoil theory include thin airfoil theory,
Key Terms to Review (25)
Area rule: The area rule is an aerodynamic principle that states that the drag of a body traveling at supersonic speeds can be minimized by ensuring that the distribution of cross-sectional area along its length is as smooth as possible. This concept helps reduce wave drag and is crucial for the design of supersonic aircraft, as it directly influences their performance and stability in supersonic flow.
Bernoulli's equation for compressible flow: Bernoulli's equation for compressible flow is a form of Bernoulli's principle that applies to fluid flows where density changes significantly, such as in supersonic flows. This equation connects pressure, velocity, and density, enabling the analysis of how these properties vary within compressible fluids as they move through different flow regimes. It highlights the balance of mechanical energy per unit mass within a fluid, allowing engineers to predict flow behaviors under varying conditions.
Compressibility effects: Compressibility effects refer to the changes in fluid density that occur when a fluid flows at high velocities, particularly when approaching or exceeding the speed of sound. These effects become crucial in understanding phenomena like shock waves and flow behavior in supersonic and hypersonic regimes, where traditional assumptions of incompressible flow no longer apply.
Concorde: Concorde was a turbojet-powered supersonic passenger airliner that was developed and operated by British and French manufacturers from 1969 until 2003. It is renowned for its ability to travel at speeds exceeding twice the speed of sound, allowing it to significantly reduce flight times across the Atlantic and other long-distance routes, marking a significant achievement in aviation history.
Conical Flow: Conical flow refers to the flow pattern that occurs around a body moving at supersonic speeds, where the flow takes on a conical shape due to the compression of the shock waves. This phenomenon is particularly relevant for bodies with pointed tips, such as cones and ogives, where the angle of the cone influences the flow characteristics and shock wave interactions.
Continuity equation for compressible flow: The continuity equation for compressible flow is a mathematical expression that describes the conservation of mass in a fluid system where density varies with pressure and temperature. This equation plays a crucial role in understanding how mass flows through a control volume, particularly in high-speed flows like supersonic regimes, where changes in density cannot be neglected and must be accounted for to ensure accurate predictions of flow behavior.
Drag divergence: Drag divergence is the phenomenon where the drag force acting on an aircraft or an aerodynamic body increases rapidly as the Mach number approaches and exceeds a critical value, often associated with the onset of transonic or supersonic speeds. This increase in drag occurs due to shock wave formation and flow separation, leading to a loss of aerodynamic efficiency and performance at high speeds.
Energy equation for compressible flow: The energy equation for compressible flow is a fundamental principle that describes the relationship between the total energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, and internal energy of a fluid as it moves through a varying density medium. It plays a critical role in analyzing the behavior of fluids moving at high speeds, particularly in supersonic flows, where changes in pressure and temperature significantly affect the flow characteristics.
Equation of state for ideal gases: The equation of state for ideal gases is a mathematical relationship that describes the behavior of an ideal gas, typically expressed as PV = nRT, where P is pressure, V is volume, n is the number of moles, R is the ideal gas constant, and T is temperature. This equation connects various thermodynamic properties of a gas, enabling calculations related to its state under different conditions, particularly in scenarios involving compressible flows, such as supersonic flow.
Euler's Equations: Euler's equations are a set of fundamental equations in fluid dynamics that describe the motion of an inviscid fluid. These equations express the conservation of momentum and are essential for understanding how fluids behave, especially in complex flow situations like supersonic flow and unsteady phenomena. By capturing the dynamics of fluid particles, Euler's equations play a crucial role in predicting how fluids interact with surfaces and each other.
Expansion Fan: An expansion fan is a series of waves generated when a supersonic flow encounters a corner or an expansion area, allowing the flow to smoothly adjust to a lower pressure and velocity. These fans are critical in the study of compressible fluid dynamics and help in understanding how supersonic flows behave when they expand around obstacles, which is essential for designing aerodynamic surfaces.
Flow Separation: Flow separation occurs when the smooth flow of fluid over a surface breaks away from that surface, typically resulting in a wake region behind the object. This phenomenon is crucial as it affects lift, drag, and overall aerodynamic performance of bodies moving through fluids, influencing many aspects of fluid dynamics including stability and control.
Mach number: Mach number is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of the speed of an object to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. It is a key concept in fluid dynamics, especially when analyzing how objects move through air at different speeds, such as subsonic, transonic, and supersonic conditions.
Momentum equation for compressible flow: The momentum equation for compressible flow is a fundamental equation used in fluid dynamics that relates the momentum changes in a flow field to the forces acting on it. This equation takes into account variations in density and velocity in compressible fluids, which is crucial for accurately analyzing flows at high speeds, such as supersonic flow, where density changes significantly due to pressure and temperature variations.
Normal shock wave: A normal shock wave is a type of shock wave that occurs when supersonic flow encounters a sudden change in pressure or velocity, resulting in a rapid transition to subsonic flow. This phenomenon is crucial in aerodynamics, as it affects the behavior of air around objects moving at high speeds and plays a significant role in the analysis of both normal and oblique shock waves in supersonic flow scenarios.
Oblique Shock Wave: An oblique shock wave is a type of shock wave that forms when supersonic flow encounters a surface at an angle, resulting in a change in the flow direction and an increase in pressure, temperature, and density of the fluid. This phenomenon is significant in understanding how air flows around sharp edges or surfaces, particularly in supersonic conditions, where the fluid experiences rapid compressions and expansions that lead to these shock formations.
Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves: Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves are a type of fluid dynamic phenomenon that occurs when supersonic flow expands and accelerates as it passes over a curved surface or through a wedge. These waves are crucial in understanding the behavior of compressible flows, particularly in scenarios involving shock waves and the transition between subsonic and supersonic speeds. They allow engineers and scientists to predict how gases behave under varying pressure and temperature conditions, especially in the design of aircraft and rockets.
Shock tube experiments: Shock tube experiments are controlled tests used to study supersonic flows and the behavior of shock waves. These experiments typically involve a long, narrow tube that creates a sudden change in pressure and temperature, simulating conditions found in supersonic flight. Researchers analyze the resulting shock waves and other phenomena to gain insights into aerodynamics, combustion processes, and material properties under extreme conditions.
Shock Wave: A shock wave is a distinct and sudden change in pressure, temperature, and density that occurs when an object travels through a medium at a speed greater than the speed of sound. This phenomenon is critical in understanding supersonic flow, where the characteristics of airflow around objects change dramatically, creating effects that can influence aerodynamic heating and boundary layer interactions.
Sonic barrier: The sonic barrier refers to the point at which an object moves through air at the speed of sound, creating a significant change in aerodynamic properties. This phenomenon occurs around Mach 1, where compressibility effects become dominant, leading to shock waves and changes in lift and drag characteristics. Crossing this barrier is a critical aspect in supersonic flow and plays a vital role in the design and performance of high-speed aircraft.
SR-71 Blackbird: The SR-71 Blackbird is a long-range, advanced, strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin during the Cold War. Known for its incredible speed and altitude capabilities, the SR-71 was designed to gather intelligence without being detected, playing a crucial role in the context of supersonic flow and high-speed aerodynamics.
Supersonic flow field: A supersonic flow field refers to a region in fluid dynamics where the flow velocity exceeds the speed of sound in that medium. In such a flow, shock waves are generated due to the rapid motion of the fluid, leading to complex behavior characterized by abrupt changes in pressure, temperature, and density. Understanding supersonic flow fields is essential for the design of high-speed aircraft and missiles, as well as in various applications in aerospace engineering.
Transonic regime: The transonic regime refers to a flow condition in which the velocity of a fluid approaches the speed of sound, typically ranging from Mach 0.8 to Mach 1.2. In this regime, both subsonic and supersonic flow characteristics can exist simultaneously, leading to complex aerodynamic behaviors and challenges, particularly as objects transition between these two states. Understanding this regime is crucial for the design and analysis of aircraft and missiles operating near sonic speeds.
Wave drag: Wave drag is a form of aerodynamic resistance that occurs when an object moves through a fluid at high speeds, particularly as it approaches and exceeds the speed of sound. This phenomenon is closely linked to the creation of shock waves, which are caused by the compression of air in front of the object, resulting in increased drag as the object transitions between subsonic and supersonic speeds.
Wind tunnel testing: Wind tunnel testing is a controlled experimental method used to study the aerodynamic properties of models by simulating airflow over them in a tunnel environment. This technique helps researchers and engineers analyze forces such as lift and drag, understand flow behavior, and optimize designs for various applications in aerodynamics.